Chris Burley of Great Bend High School takes a 29-3 record and a top ranking at 112 pounds by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in their latest poll to the Class 5A regional tournament on Saturday in Hays.

The sophomore was a fifth-place finisher last season in the same weight class at the state championships in Wichita.

“Chris Burley, we like to take it one week at a time and we’re concentrating on regionals and not looking forward to the state tournament right now,” Great Bend head coach Norbert Muth said.

Jake Schridde (160) of the Panthers has a No. 3 KWCA state ranking entering the regional, which will be held at Hays High School, starting at 10 a.m.

“Last year, Jake had a good shot of qualifying and he broke his hand during the last meet before we were going to regionals,” Muth said of Schridde, who has a 26-8 record. “He is a senior and he doesn’t get another shot and he’s worked extremely hard this year.”

Louis Burley (152), a senior, is seeking to qualify for the state meet for the fourth straight year, while Greg Burley (125) is seeking his first berth and is recovered from a broken collarbone.

Damian Plughoeft (140, senior) will be seeking to qualify for state for a second straight season. Senior Simon Sullvian (171, senior) could be a sleeper, as well as others.

“I don’t think there’s anybody that we have that, if the cards fall right and they do what they’re supposed to do, that they can’t qualify and go to the state tournament,” Muth said. “That’s what our goal is and that’s what we shoot for.

“There’s some stacked weight classes and a number of things that really have to go our way in order for that to happen. That’s our goal, and that’s what should be our goal.”